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If you want to enjoy the advantages of playing on a computer without giving up mobility, gaming laptops are the format you are looking for. Of course, choosing a laptop to play is not an easy task, not only in terms of hardware, but also in aspects such as the screen or the keyboard. That is why we have brought best gaming laptops under 500 for you.
In this guide to buying gaming laptops, we compile what must be taken into account to be right based on our needs and budget. In addition, we offer you a wide range of gaming laptops under 500.
Contents
How to choose a gaming laptop?
Ever wanted to get a decent gaming laptop that is under your budget? Well, worry no more because this article right here is the ultimate guide towards achieving that objective. There is a host of ideal laptops that come amazingly cheap and are quite effective. Do not be deceived by their cheap price tags into thinking they are not wonderful, quite the contrary, the best gaming laptops actually come under $500.
Kindly follow through as we dive deeper into discussing the best gaming laptops under 500.
As we have already anticipated in the intro , although the screen or the design have their importance, the differential factor when offering a good gaming experience is the hardware .
Let’s talk about GPU
Games are one of the most demanding applications out there and a good part of the workload is assumed by the graphics processor – textures, image rendering … – this is key when determining which graphics to integrate both for present and for the future.
In the most ambitious gaming territory, NVIDIA continues to be the hegemonic brand and it is its graphics that we are going to find in medium and high ranges.
Applied to the laptops that we are going to find in the market, the starting point is an RTX 2060 . However, if our budget is very tight, we can bet on the GTX 1660 Ti.
Of course, we insist: for a little more money you can opt for a more modern RTX 2060, with good 1080p and 1440p performance and that allows us to enjoy the RTX technology that the aforementioned GPU lacks.
The idea is to choose the model that allows us to play at the native resolution of the panel with a stable image rate and as close as possible to 60 Hz (60 FPS), or to the maximum refresh rate of the panel (generally and highly recommended 120 Hz or 144 Hz) or even 240Hz if we bet on a most ambitious and demanding team.
However, if the laptop has a Thunderbolt 3 port, there is also the option of connecting it to an eGPU box and with it expanding graphics power to your liking. But if we do not want to complicate ourselves, the RTX 2060 is the base option.
What processors are we going to find?
If we talked before about the star role of GPUs in gaming, we also want to highlight the incidence of the CPU, since it is the component in charge of the physics, artificial intelligence or resolution – among others – of our games. In this sense, we must bear in mind that most games do not take advantage of all the threads of execution or all the cores of the processors.
That is, games benefit more from a faster CPU than one capable of handling more threads. That is if you only use the computer to play, but if you also use your equipment for photographic processing, it is important to bet on a fast chip with more threads and cores .
Although the imminent landing of the Ryzen 4000 sounds very promising, we have not seen them in action yet.
However, the AMD Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 are still an option to consider due to their good value for money among the most affordable models.
At Intel, the starting point is the 9th generation Core i5 or even the 8th , if we are looking to cut the price. In gaming terrain we are going to find the H series – present in larger and more voluminous laptops such as gaming equipment , in contrast to those of the U series, for more compact and lighter models -, with a TDP of 45 W, offering a powerful proposal and with room for maneuver.
Thus, it will be frequent to see models with the i7-8750H, i5-9300H and more ambitious chips, the i7-9750H or i7- 9980HK, the latter great options.
Other Components: RAM and Storage
After determining the GPU and CPU we need, we will not neglect that they are accompanied by enough RAM and plenty of storage space .
Although the base of certain gaming laptops is 8GB of RAM, it is more advisable to invest in configurations of at least 16GB , allowing us to simultaneously play and other activities. As for the type, at least DDR4 and as fast as possible.
It is true that the more RAM, the better, but if we look for the best, 32GB is a good number . From here, betting on more RAM will be interesting if we are going to use our equipment also for photo and video editing … or if we are economically left over.
However, if our budget is limited or we want it for occasional gaming and we have chosen a basic dedicated graphics, 8GB may be enough. Mind you, make sure it can be updated in the future .
Today it is common to find combined storage options that provide the space of the classic HDDs – here you choose those of 7,200 rpm – with the speed of the SSD to boot.
What if we look for a cheap gaming equipment? In that case, better to sacrifice space and bet on models that integrate only one SSD. The minimum is a 512GB SSD, although taking into account what the games occupy, the optimal would be 1 TB of SSD or 512 GB of SSD and at least 1 TB of HDD. As with RAM, replacing storage drives is typically a simple task.
How should the screen be?
In gaming laptops we are going to find 15 and 17-inch diagonals, although the first is the most interesting both in relation to price and mobility .
The most basic thing is that it is Full HD and that its refresh rate is 60Hz, although the ideal is that its frequency reaches 144Hz . In case of going to 17 “models, we will appreciate that refresh rate but also jump to 1440p resolution, straddling the FHD and 4K.
And the 4K screens? They are the most premium option on the market, but they are not abundant – due to their high price associated with the need for a superior graphic – nor can you get the most out of these diagonals. There are even models with HDR support.
In the high range it is common to find Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, technologies that synchronize the screen with graphics cards, eliminating tearing and ghosting .
Continue reading the 2nd part of our article if you want to learn about best gaming laptops under 500, we have collected some of the best models for you.
In the above article we discussed all about the laptops under 500 and what you need to look in them. Here we have shortlisted some of the best laptops under 500. Check them out and decide which one suites your needs the best.
Also read our article on best laptops under 800.
Top 14 best gaming laptops Under 500.
Ever wanted to get a decent gaming laptop that is under your budget? Well, worry no more because this article right here is the ultimate guide towards achieving that objective. There is a host of ideal laptops that come amazingly cheap and are quite effective. Do not be deceived by their cheap price tags into thinking they are not wonderful, quite the contrary, the best gaming laptops actually come under $500.
Kindly follow through as we dive deeper into discussing the best gaming laptops under $500.
Let us dive right in:
1. HP 14-dk0002ns
The HP 14-dk0002ns ( 499.99 euros ) is very interesting for its lightness, the resolution of its screen and the combination of hardware . Of course, it does not have USB-C.
In this case the panel reaches Full HD , something that we will appreciate if we are going to spend time in front of the screen. Although yes, reducing its diagonal to 14 “, something that makes it possible for this model not to reach 1.5kg in weight, which makes it very interesting if we are going to move it. In addition, its autonomy is up to 10 hours and it has fast charging.
It integrates the frequent and consolidated Ryzen 5 3500U CPU, 8GB of RAM, AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics and again half tera SSD to install programs and files.
| HP 14-DK0002NS | |
|---|---|
| SCREEN | 14 ” IPS Full HD anti-reflective |
| PROCESSOR | AMD Ryzen 5-3500U |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4-2400 (2x4GB) |
| STORAGE | 512GB SSD |
| PORTS | 1 HDMI / 1 headphone / microphone combo / 1 RJ-45/1 USB 3.1 type / 1 smart pin AC / 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 type A |
| PRICE | 499.99 euros |
2. Acer Aspire 3 A315-54-581J
This version of the Acer Aspire 3 stands out for its processor , a very competent Core i5 generation for general tasks. More standard in terms of other hardware with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD that will invite us to resort to an external hard drive if we are going to generate many files.
With simple finishes, the Acer Aspire 3 A315-54-581J ( € 499 ) is a moderately compact model weighing less than 2kg . Although it suffers from USB-C – there is no other choice but to solve it with an adapter – it has other veteran ports and slots that can be very useful like the card reader or network adapter.
| ACER ASPIRE 3 A315-54-581J | |
|---|---|
| SCREEN | LCD LED 15.6 “HD (1366 x 768) |
| PROCESSOR | Core i5-10210U |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM |
| STORAGE | 256 GB SSD |
| PORTS | 1 x HDMI / 1 x RJ45 / 1 x Combo Audio / 1 x USB 3.1 / 2 x USB 2.0 / Card Reader |
| PRICE | 499 euros |
3. Lenovo V155
This Lenovo V155 ( 459 euros ) is one of the best models in terms of value for money at the hardware level, thanks to integrating a 3rd generation AMD processor and a half-tera SSD at a price lower than that set as a limit.
Somewhat heavier than the previous one, we continue with HD resolutions and without a USB-C port, but with a card reader.
| LENOVO V155 | |
|---|---|
| SCREEN | 15.6 “HD LED (1366×768) 16: 9 |
| PROCESSOR | AMD Ryzen R5 3500U (up to 2.1 GHz) |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4-2400MHz |
| STORAGE | 512GB SSD 2.5 “SATA3 |
| PORTS | 1 x HDMI / 1 x Jack Audio Headphone / Microphone / 2 x USB 3.1 4 in 1 SD Card Reader |
| PRICE | 459 euros |
4. ASUS Vivobook X512DA-BR500
Despite the tight budget, we can find moderately thin and light laptops like this ASUS Vivobook X512DA-BR500 ( 429 euros ), an interesting option at the price, design and hardware level .
It offers a balanced configuration at the RAM and processor level, with a Radeon Vega 8 graphics card and the limited 256GB. This Asus laptop also offers quantity and diversity in terms of ports , with the long-awaited USB-C for the future, but also a card reader.
| ASUS VIVOBOOK X512DA-BR500 | |
|---|---|
| SCREEN | 15.6 “LED / Narrow Edge / HD (1366×768) |
| PROCESSOR | AMD Ryzen 5 3500u |
| RAM | 8Gb DDR4 2400MHz |
| STORAGE | 256Gb M.2 PCIe Gen3 NVMe SSD |
| PORTS | 1x HDMI / 1x USB-C 3.1 (Gen 1) / 1x USB 3.1 / 2x USB 2.0 / 1x Headphone Out / 3.5mm Microphone In (combo) / Micro SD Card Reader |
| PRICE | 429 euros |
5. Acer Aspire 3 A315-42-R6LL
This Acer Aspire 3 A315-42-R6LL ( 499 euros ) shares design, screen, weight and ports with the other Aspire 3 model that we have seen previously, but with a change that may be interesting: changing the Intel processor for an AMD ( generally more affordable for similar performances) in exchange for twice the storage capacity. All these qyalities make it the best gaming laptop under 500.
| ACER ASPIRE 3 A315-42-R6LL | Best gaming laptops under 500 |
|---|---|
| SCREEN | LCD LED 15.6 “HD (1366 x 768) |
| PROCESSOR | AMD Ryzen 5 3550H |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM |
| STORAGE | 512 GB SSD |
| PORTS | 1 x HDMI 1 x RJ45 1 x Combo Audio 1 x USB 3.1 2 x USB 2.0 Card Reader |
| PRICE | 499 euros |
6. HP 14-dk0001ns
The HP 14-dk0001ns ( 429 euros ) saves some money at the cost of integrating a third-generation AMD processor lower than those we are seeing, as well as the integrated Radeon Vega 3 graphics. It also offers the usual 8GB of RAM and the tera room space. That would be an extra ordinary feature to get in a laptop under 500/
Two very interesting features: this model shares the lightness and compactness of the previous HP and comes with a USB-C port .
| HP 14-DK0001NS | |
|---|---|
| SCREEN | 14 “HD SVA panel with 1366 x 768 resolution and WLED backlight |
| PROCESSOR | AMD Ryzen 3 3200U |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| STORAGE | 256 GB SSD |
| PORTS | 1 USB 3.1 Type C / 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1/1 HDMI / 1 RJ-45/1 Headphone / Microphone Combo / 1 HP Multi-Format SD Card Reader |
| PRICE | 429 euros |
7. Lenovo ideapad 330-15IKB
If we are looking for something more affordable but solvent for these tasks, the Lenovo ideapad 330-15IKB () is a model to consider. It offers 8GB of RAM but its processor is a veteran AMD and although it has SSD, it is only 128GB. Another point in its favor is the versatility and number of ports it integrates, including USB-C. It is definitely the best laptop under 500.
| LENOVO IDEAPAD 330-15IKB | |
|---|---|
| SCREEN | 15.6 “HD, 1366 x 768 pixels |
| PROCESSOR | AMD RYZEN 5 2500U |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 at 2400MHz |
| STORAGE | 128GB SSD |
| PORTS | 1 x HDMI / 1 x RJ45 / 1 x Combo Audio / 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB 3.0) / 1 x USB Type C / 4-in-1 Card Reader (MMC, SD, SDHC, SDXC) |
| PRICE | 405.92 euros |
8. Asus Vivobook X509FA-BR200T
We finish the selection with the Asus Vivobook X509FA-BR200T ( 489 euros ), a laptop with the veteran but frequent and consolidated eighth-generation Intel processor. It stands out for its finishes, it is not very heavy with 1.9 kg of weight and offers versatility in terms of ports, USB-C included. It is indeed the best gaming laptops under 500.
| ASUS VIVOBOOK X509FA-BR200T | |
|---|---|
| SCREEN | 15.6 “LED / Narrow Edge / HD (1366×768) |
| PROCESSOR | Core i5-8265u |
| RAM | 8Gb DDR4 |
| STORAGE | 256Gb M.2 PCIe Gen3 NVM SSD |
| PORTS | 1x HDMI / 1x USB-C 3.1 (Gen 1) / 1x USB 3.1 / 2x USB 2.0 microSD Card Reader |
| PRICE |
489 euros |
9:HP 15t Laptop
This right here is a wonderful piece of art. Talk about a powerful quad-core processor that comes in very handy especially in making the laptop achieve good processing speeds. Its storage is up to a tune of 256GB and comes fully fitted with Intel UHD graphics. Additionally, it comes with the latest version of windows as the operating system.
It comes at $499.99 from HP.
| HP 15t Laptop | |
|---|---|
| SCREEN |
15.6”, Full HD (1920 x 1080), IPS. |
| PROCESSOR |
CPU. Intel Core i5-7200U 99. |
| RAM |
16GB DDR4. |
| STORAGE | 256Gb M.2 PCIe Gen3 NVM SSD |
| PORTS | 1x HDMI / 1x USB-C 3.1 (Gen 1) / 1x USB 3.1 / 2x USB 2.0 microSD Card Reader |
| PRICE |
499.99 |
10: Acer Aspire 5 Gaming Laptop
This is definitely the tool for the trade. It comfortably fits the $500 budget and it is especially built for the gaming function. If you are a professional gamer or just doing it as a hobby, this is definitely the laptop for you. It has a 10th generation Intel Core processor that is all things effective, secondly is its long battery life that can last up to an awesome 9 hours. Thirdly, it has an 8GB RAM and some pretty awesome Intel UHD 620 graphics.
Why not check it out!
| Acer Aspire 5 Gaming Laptop | |
|---|---|
| SCREEN | 15.6 “LED / Narrow Edge / HD (1366×768) |
| PROCESSOR | 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U, GeForce MX150, |
| RAM | 8Gb DDR4 |
| STORAGE | 256Gb M.2 PCIe Gen3 NVM SSD |
| PORTS | 1x HDMI / 1x USB-C 3.1 (Gen 1) / 1x USB 3.1 / 2x USB 2.0 microSD Card Reader |
| PRICE |
489 euros |
11: Dell Inspiron 5585
This is among the best gaming laptops under 500 on the market right now. This is the latest laptop brand from Dell and it offers a nice set of specifications. First off, it is powered by AMD Ryzen 5 processor that comes with a clock speed of 3.7 GHz. Secondly, it has a long battery life of up to 5 hours and a huge storage capacity of 256GB SSD. It also has a large display of 15.6 inches and a full HD Anti-glare LED backlit display with 1920 * 1080 resolution.
|
Dell Inspiron 5585 |
|
|---|---|
| SCREEN |
15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-glare LED Backlit Non-touch Narrow Border WVA Display |
| PROCESSOR |
|
| RAM |
|
| STORAGE |
|
| PORTS | 1x HDMI / 1x USB-C 3.1 (Gen 1) / 1x USB 3.1 / 2x USB 2.0 / 1x Headphone Out / 3.5mm Microphone In (combo) / Micro SD Card Reader |
| PRICE | 429 euros |
12: Asus VivoBook 15
This laptop has a whooping 12GB RAM and an additional storage of 256GB SSD. This makes it very effective in gaming as it can process fast and store many gaming applications. The second astonishing feature is its long battery life that can last up to 7 hours. Third off, it has Vega 3 Integrated Graphics that give the laptop a nice feel and look. Why not get this laptop from amazon and enjoy this and many more specs.
|
Asus VivoBook 15 |
|
|---|---|
| SCREEN |
Screen: 15.6-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) with 178˚ wide-viewing angle. |
| PROCESSOR |
CPU: 2.8GHz Intel Core i7-7700HQ (6M Cache, up to 3.8GHz) |
| RAM |
RAM: 16GB DDR4 SDRAM (2,400Mhz) |
| STORAGE |
Storage: 512GB SSD (M.2 SATA3) |
| PORTS |
1 x USB 3.1 Type-A, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x RJ45, 1 x HDMI, 1 x SDXC reader, 1 x headphone/mic jack |
| PRICE | 459 euros |
13: Dell Inspiron 5000 i5555 – 15’’
This laptop is super-efficient and comes just under your budget. I has a 15.6’’ screen display fully fitted with Radeon R6. It also has 1000GB HDD with an additional 8GB ram. To spice the deal even further, it has up to 6 hours of battery life and windows 10 to crown the deal. Hurry to amazon to grab this amazing deal right now.
|
Dell Inspiron 5000 i5555 – 15’’ |
|
|---|---|
| SCREEN | Screen: 15.6-inches, 1,366 x 768, non-touch. |
| PROCESSOR |
CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Core i7-5500U (dual-core, 4MB cache, up to 3GHz with Turbo Boost) |
| RAM | 8GB DDR3 |
| STORAGE |
Storage: 1TB HDD 5,400RPM. |
| PORTS |
Ports: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, Combo audio jack, HDMI, SD card reader. |
| PRICE | 459 euros |
14: Lenovo IdeaPad 320
This has definitely made it to the best gaming laptops under 500 list. Here is why, first off it has a 15.6’’ screen that has graphics like nothing else. Secondly, it has 8GB worth of processing speed and 1TB worth of internal storage. Its battery life can span up to 6 hours of standby time and lastly comes with a windows 10 operating system. Clearly you are spoilt for choice
| Lenovo IdeaPad 320 | |
|---|---|
| SCREEN | 15″ HD (1366 x 768) 15″ FHD (1920 x 1080) |
| PROCESSOR |
Up to 7th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 Processor
|
| RAM | 8GB DDR4-2400MHz |
| STORAGE | 512GB SSD 2.5 “SATA3 |
| PORTS |
|
| PRICE | 459 euros |
Lastly, the best gaming laptops under 500 are numerous as this article cannot cover everything on the market right now. An ancient saying by Jane Mcgonigal says that a game is an opportunity to focus our energy, with relentless optimism at something we are good at and enjoy. In other words, gameplay is the direct emotional opposite of depression. So, maintain your mental health as you game.
